Cardiology Equipment

The Xience stent, a flexible metal-mesh tube coated with the drug everolimus, has recently been used in it’s first real-life trial and according to Dutch cardiologists, it is performing incredibly well.

Though the product was approved by the FDA last July, the effectiveness of the new stent in “complex, unselected patients treated in daily practice still remains unknown and cannot be extrapolated from these randomized controlled trials,” said cardiologists at Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam in their report, which was released online in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. “We therefore sought to evaluate the impact of this second-generation drug-eluting stent on the clinical outcomes in consecutive patients treated in a real-life, all-comer population.”

The trial, which involved nearly 650 people, compared the outcomes of those given the new stent with others who had received bare metal stents or another type of coated stent. The result: in a sixth month follow up period, the incidence of death, heart attack and stenosis was lower in the Xience group.

The Xience V stent is made by Abbott Vascular and the company will continue to track performance using a data bank that incorporates more than 5,000 recipients.

According to a recent study conducted by Duke University researchers and published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, patients who have sustained heart damage could benefit from moderate exercise. These results are challenging the traditional recommendation that recent heart attack patients should limit physical activity and instead, rest. The study included 2,331 heart patients from 82 facilities in the United States, France and Canada.

The study reports that aerobic exercise improves the quality of life within three months in patients with chronic heart disease as well as reduces their chances of death or hospitalization over a two year time frame. Although the effect on life expectancy in heart patients who engage in exercise programs is minimal, the researchers said there are definite benefits, as shown within the study. These findings could potentially change the way cardiologists approach exercise in patients who have sustained heart attacks, have heart disease, or are affected by other conditions affecting the cardiovascular system.

Monitoring of heart failure patients is more effective if electrodes are placed on the left side rather than the more commonly used right side, according to a study published in the March 24 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

Dirar S. Khoury, Ph.D., from Methodist Hospital Research Institute in Houston and colleagues implanted cardiac resynchronization therapy systems using standard leads in various configurations in 15 normal dogs, where five were implanted with an additional left atrial pressure lead sensor. They then measured steady-state impedance signals along six different vectors during induction of congestive heart failure over several weeks.The researchers found that during induction of heart failure, impedance fell gradually at different rates for different vectors.

“Impedance vectors employing a left ventricle lead are highly responsive to physiologic changes during congestive heart failure,” Khoury and colleagues conclude. “Measuring multiple impedance signals could be useful for optimizing ambulatory monitoring in heart failure patients.”

When it comes to medical science, we seem to concern ourselves with physical or bodily health above all else. However, we tend to forget (or sometimes fail to see) that one’s emotional health can often be a factor in one’s physical well-being.

Anger, in particular, is one emotion that we need to monitor closely. According to NBCWashington.com, a study from Yale University cardiologist Rachel Lampert has shown that anger can trigger dangerous heart rhythms in people who are already vulnerable. Lampert observed irregular heartbeats similar to those that occur during exercise, but they resulted from the angry thoughts of some of her patients, suggesting that anger may directly affect heart cells.

Instrumental to this study were EKG machines, and in the wake of this revelation, PhysiciansResource.net is proud to offer a variety of them. As the lifeblood of the human body, the heart needs a lot of attention, and our EKGs offer reliable and accurate cardiac readings to ensure that the appropriate actions can be taken if anything is amiss.

If you’re wrestling with this emotion, an EKG might reveal any potential health risks. So, don’t let your anger control you; turn the tables and control it with a quick checkup.

Aortic valve surgery, or the process of replacing one of the four valves that regulates the passage of blood into and out of the heart, is not an uncommon procedure. 75,000 to 99,000 are performed in a year, and there is not much one can do to prevent the bodily failure that makes it necessary. Aortic valves harden and wear out, often due to old age, and not even physical fitness can reduce the risk. Thanks to this procedure, however, we needn’t have any fear.

When it comes to any matter of the heart, it is important to be vigilant, and at PhysiciansResource.net, we are committed to keeping your heart in check. With our great selection of cardiology supplies, there is no crisis for which a doctor can be unprepared. Our defibrillators are small, lightweight, and portable, readying you for any cardiological curve ball. If you’re looking to monitor the old ticker to preempt any complications, we also have stress tests and EKG machines, both of which can reveal any abnormalities before they get truly problematic.

With these supplies, your heart will have a fighting chance, so do yourself a favor: don’t leave PhysiciansResource.net without them!

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) has announced a plan to install defibrillators in 30 of its stations by the end of the spring, the Toronto Star reports. With over 1,400 commuter illnesses in the past year (900 of which ended in hospital visits), the decision seems to be a wise one. Bill Thomas, head of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario, concurs. “For every minute you can initiate CPR or use the public defibrillator you can save a life,” he says.

Thomas is right. Defibrillators can save lives, and at PhysiciansResource.net, we offer them in droves. Our Burdick Medic defibrillators are compact, easy to use, and portable, so keep one on hand and you’ll be ready for any crisis. Or, check out the Medtronic Physio Control, which offers hands-free defibrillation and printing of critical event summaries. Of course, you can also try the Powerheart AED G3, which simplifies the process by analyzing the heart and delivering an automatic defibrillation shock if a life-threatening rhythm is detected.

PhysiciansResource.net is committed to saving lives, and these defibrillators are only a small sample of what we have to offer. So, if you’re in the market for health care products, stick around and have a look.

Since its development in the 1950s, CPR has been the mainstay of cardiac arrest treatment and has consistently demonstrated improvement of outcomes when delivered promptly and correctly to arrest victims. The importance of CPR is emphasized in many forms of introductory field training in basic and advanced cardiac life support, and the American Heart Association (AHA) provides on-going CPR guideline updates as new and innovative research becomes available.

While the AHA updates its guidelines every five years, a question remains for EMS professionals: What can I do now to improve my care and survival rates from cardiac arrest without waiting for the next guidelines update?

EMSResponder.com has recently released several suggestions on how to improve CPR skills. From training programs to actual technique, this guide is a must read for any EMS responder or health care professional.

Sudden cardiac arrest claims 400,000 each year in the United States alone. It’s the cause of more than half the deaths from heart disease. In an effort to increase the odds of a victim’s survival lightweight portable Automated External Defibrillators, AED’s, have been installed on airplanes, in retirement communities and on campuses. AED’s deliver a powerful electrical shock to the heart that restores normal heart beat. It should only be used with victims that don’t respond to cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Here’s how to use an AED in the event of an emergency:

1.Switch on the defibrillator. Some AEDs may automatically switch on when the AED lid is opened. Others have an easy to identify green button. If more than one rescuer is present, continue CPR until the shock is given.

2.Remove the victims’ shirt or blouse, watch, rings and jewelry. Check for piercings and remove all studs.

3.Apply the electrode pads to the chest according the diagram displayed on the machine. Place one on the upper right side of the chest, the other on the lower left.

4.Stop CPR. Plug the electrode pads into the connector. The defibrillator will analyze the victim. Do not touch or move the victim while this occurs.

5.If the AED determines that a shock is needed, the machine will tell you audibly to deliver a shock by pressing a button. The machine will examine the victim’s heart beat to see if another shock is needed. If it is, you’ll be told to press the button again. Some AED’s will administer the shocks automatically as needed.

6.Check the victim’s breathing and pulse. If the heart has resumed beating, but the patient is not breathing, resume CPR. If there is no pulse, repeat the defibrillation process.

Remember, in the event of sudden cardiac arrest, the first responder can make all the difference. Make sure that your office is outfitted with an AED from PhysiciansResource.com and that all of the employees receive proper training.

Medtronic / Physio Control is one of the world’s leading medical technology providers, pledging to “alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life for millions of people around the world.” Founded in 1949 by Earl E. Bakken and Palmer J. Hermundslie, Medtronic / Physio Control has since focused on being the leading producer of pacing technology, in addition to providing therapeutic, diagnostic, and monitoring systems for cardiovascular markets.

Medtronic works in conjunction with the Physio-Control Corporation to be the leading supplier of external defibrillators. Physio-Control emerged in 1955 with the determination to reduce the number of sudden deaths during cardiac surgery. In 1972, the LIFEPAK defibrillator was introduced for usage in hospitals and ambulances, featuring the ability to transmit ECG’s by telephone. Physio-Control defibrillators like the LIFEPAK system, offer features like the ADAPTIV biphasic technology that allows for both manual and AED modes in hospital or clinic settings. Medtronic defibrillators adapt to various environments to better serve the unique needs of both patient and physician.

The Physician’s Resource offers Medtronic defibrillators like the LIFEPAK system, as well as compatible battery support systems. Designed for ease of maintenance and operation, The LIFEPAK 500 Automated External Defibrillator is perfect for first responders to cardiac emergencies. Affordable, rugged, and portable, this low-maintenance defibrillator is ideal for all users. Medtronic defibrillators are also Biomedical-Certified and feature Combo Electrodes for hands-free defibrillation. Built with an intuitive design, these products are ideal for users of all skill levels and are proven in real-world emergency conditions.

In the past decade, the market for cardiology equipment has grown tremendously. Physicians have increased their skills in performing intervention and preventative procedures, saving more lives each year.

However, the American Heart Association reports that in 2007 over 450,000 victims died from a coronary attack. Coronary heart disease (CAD) is the nation's single leading cause of death, despite the advances in technology. In addition, data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2004 shows that high blood pressure is estimated to effect over 72 million people. Fortunately, high blood pressure is easily detectable and can be controlled with proper treatment. Cardiologists everywhere are aware of these findings and make it their mission every day to treat and prevent cardiac issues that claim so many lives.

Cardiology equipment can assist in the discovery of cardiac conditions, as well as in treatment and prevention of things like CAD, stroke, high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol. Physician's Resource offers several types of cardiology equipment that will help you save lives.

Defibrillators, EKG machines, Holter monitoring technology, stress test systems, and telemetry monitoring are all products offered that will assist in your patient's prompt diagnosis and treatment. Monitor your patients with quality products that suit the unique needs of your practice or Coronary Care Unit. Efficient and effective, trusted brands like GE, Medtronic, Zoll, and Hewlett Packard, offer unmatched technology that can assist you in better serving your patients. Physician's Resource promises to deliver cardiology equipment at highly competitive prices with a commitment to service and high quality products.